Vila Preseren — Restaurant in Bled

My family and I stayed in the Vila Preseren for 4 nights in June, 2015. After several weeks of moving every night from hotel to hotel, we were looking for a place to relax for a few days. In looking at places to stay in Lake Bled, I didn't find much on the lake and this appeared to be one of two 4-star resorts on the lake. Boy was I wrong.

In a nutshell, this is basically a restaurant masquerading as a hotel. I'm giving it 2 stars because it has two positive attributes. The location is very central (just below the steps to the castle and there is a swimming area nearby) and the staff in the restaurant provide decent service (by Slovenian standards). However, I do NOT recommend this hotel for several reasons:

We booked 'lake view' and paid 200 Euros a night for a suite on the lake. Unfortunately, our view was completely blocked by the roof, air conditioning units and their awnings. We couldn't see the lake at all. The decor in the rooms can best be described as 'nouveau Transylvania'. Dirty old carpets, horrible dark wall paper, black cabinetry. Like walking into the set of the 'Night of the Living Dead'. Circa 1980. Time for a remodel. We arranged for 2 cots to be brought in for our kids. The best way to describe these would be prison beds. Useless mattresses with springs on top of wood slats. Our kids toughed it out for the first night on the floor. Only after threatening to leave the 2nd night did they come up with acceptable beds for the next 3 nights. The shower overflows into the bathroom. We learned that it takes a wall of towels (think dyke) at the entrance to the shower to keep the water from covering the entire bathroom.

4-star? I think not. And that's just the room. Now on to the neighborhood...

At 7:45am every morning, the cathedral behind the Vila dings and dongs for no less than a minute. I actually like bells but at 7:45am every day this gets really old. The music in the restaurant filters up to the room from about 8am until 11pm every day and night. Gets annoying when you're trying to take a nap. There's no reception desk or even a concierge to help with questions. A corner of the restaurant serves both purposes. You have to flag a bus boy to get help. Again, a restaurant masquerading as a hotel.

Overall, a pretty rough stay and definitely not worth the money. We could have saved money and stayed off the lake at Pension Berc. Quiet spot, up on the hill with a dynamite restaurant. Or if you want to be on the lake and pay only a few bucks more, try the Grand Hotel. It's across the lake from the Vila, nice 4-star hotel with an indoor pool and outdoor swimming patio. More what we were looking for and where I will stay next time we are...

Pros: The location was perfect with breathtaking views. What’s not to love about a waterfront hotel? It’s also very nice to be able to walk around the lake from here as well as hike up to the castle (you can also drive, if you wish). The breakfast was tasty and plentiful. Parking was a nice bonus. *If you’re looking for an authentic Slovenian meal, go to Gostilna Kurej, in the countryside a short drive away. Very tasty food and excellent service!

Cons: The room was much smaller than we were lead to believe. We realize rooms are smaller in Europe, but this one was the smallest we had come across. We travel with carry on luggage only - and we barely had room for them. The chair and desk were so close to the bed that you could not pull the chair out. Not enough plugs for devices and the hairdryer didn’t work. Seems like you’re paying for the location - certainly not as high end as it’s marketed.

Those are minor complaints compared to the smell in the hallway. It was awful, and very strong. At first, we wondered if it was some kind of cleaning product, but soon realized it was the essential oil diffuser on the entry table. It was too strong for anyone with a sensitivity to scents. It made my eyes water and gave me a headache. Something to be aware of if you are sensitive...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My experience at Vila Prešeren in Bled was nothing short of exceptional! From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the breathtaking views that this stunning location offers. The picturesque scenery of Lake Bled and its surroundings creates a magical atmosphere that enhances every dining experience.

The service was impeccable—our waiter was not only polite and attentive but also knowledgeable about the menu and wine selections. His recommendations for both wines and other beverages complemented our meals perfectly, showcasing the well-curated drink options available.

Now, let's talk about the food. Vila Prešeren offers an impressive variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Each meal was prepared with freshness and creativity, making for a delightful culinary experience. And if you have a sweet tooth, you absolutely must try their famous cream cake and other desserts—each bite was a heavenly indulgence!

What I appreciate the most is that every visit feels like a special occasion. The combination of stunning views, excellent service, mouthwatering food, and delightful desserts keeps me coming back time and time again. Vila Prešeren is truly a gem in Bled, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable...